Analyzing Demographic Influence, Usage and Availability of Electronic Resources among Baptist Theological Seminary Students, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

The primary aim of the study is to identify whether there are any significant or major differences among demographic variables such as gender, age group, faculty, usage and experience of users among the Baptist Theological Seminary student of Ogbomoso. The study adopted a descriptive survey research method. Questionnaires were used as the main instrument for data collection after a detailed literature review. The questionnaire was designed and distributed to 238 respondents in Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso. The sampling method adopted for this study was Systematic Random Technique. The researcher made use of 238 and 207 were returned, given a response rate of 87.0%. Simple percentage was used to analyze the collected questionnaires through presentations of simplified tables. The findings revealed that there was significant relationship between availability of electronic resources and utilization of electronic library resources. Demographic factors were also analyzed to see if it has effect on usage of electronic library resources. There was no significant relationship between gender and use of electronic library resources though the respondents were more of males. The internet, e-journals and other electronic resources were important sources of information for the students. Majority of users centered their usage of electronic resources on Internet usage only. Students’ demographic factors should not be a barrier to e-resources use and as a result, students of all ages and gender should endeavor to acquire knowledge required to enable them make effective use of online library resources anytime and anywhere. Both young and old students should be encouraged and sensitized on the benefits available in the use of library electronic resources. The great majority of the faculties use printed sources more than e‐sources, but they also use e‐sources quite frequently. Use is mostly of books, websites and printed journals. It was also found that the use of e‐resources is higher in some faculties than others and also, the results indicated that the use of e‐resources is positively influenced by the respondents’ perceived usefulness of resources, the convenience of access to the sources and their academic productivity. This study would hopefully benefit the academicians, researchers, policy makers, and practitioners that has interest on electronic library resources and demographic related data.